State Representative Diego Bernal (center) participated in a discussion about the CPPP’s report on Texas children and their living conditions held on November 15, 2018, in San Antonio.

A report released Thursday by the Center for Public Policy Priorities (CPPP) says one in five children in Texas lives in poverty, with African-American and Hispanic children disproportionately likely to live below the poverty line.

The report also found that poverty rates for families with children headed by single-mothers (38 percent) are twice as high as they are for families with children headed by single-fathers (19 percent).

Additionally, 671,000 children are still uninsured, despite access to health insurance has increased in the state. The CPPP notes that “significant barriers to health insurance coverage for Hispanic children persist.”

The report also deals with education and points out that cuts to the Texas public education budget have led to a decrease in per-student spending at schools with a high percentage of low-income students.

According to the report, compared to figures from 2008 and with inflation adjusted, Texas spends 21 percent less per student on programs to keep kids on track and 40 percent less per student on bilingual education.

The CPPP, which is based in Austin, says state lawmakers should consider policies to improve conditions for Texas children as they head into the upcoming legislative session in January.

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Maggie Martin

Producer, Houston Matters

Maggie Martin is a producer for Houston Matters, the award-winning public affairs radio program on News 88.7FM. Originally from upstate New York, Maggie started her public radio career at WFUV, Fordham University’s public radio station in New York City. She’s also worked with The Brian Lehrer Show at WNYC, On...